Enjoy some of the most famous characters in American legend in this collection of "tall tales". From the axe-wielding Paul Bunyan to the pastoral planter Johnny Appleseed, you'll read about America in her infancy, when the wilderness was still vast, and the country was waiting to be tamed. This collection of 8 stories includes: "Skye-bright Axe" about Paul Bunyon; "Coyote Cowboy" about Pecos Bill; "Five Fathoms Tall" about Stormalong; "River Roarer" about Mike Fink; "Frontier Fighter" about Davy Crocket; "Rainbow-walker" about Johnny Appleseed; "Hammerman" about John Henry; and "Steelmaker" about Joe Magarac. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The birds, bears, rabbits, and even a unicorn came to see him. He grew so fast, he burst right through the porch roof, and laughed so loud, he scared the sun! Soon John Henry is swinging two huge sledgehammers to build roads, pulverizing boulders and smashing rocks to smithereens. He's stronger than ten men and can dig through a mountain faster than a steam drill. Nothing can stop John Henry, and his courage stays with us forever.

Julius Lester's folksy retelling of a popular African-American folk ballad has warmth, tall tale humor, and boundless energy. Jerry Pinkney illustrates the story with "rich colors borrowed from the rocks and the earth, so beautiful that they summon their own share of smile and tears." Recommended for ages 4 and up. A 1995 Caldecott Honor book.

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. This volume includes an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness, and The Fire-Eaters. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

He stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and in so doing became an undying symbol of virtue. But most important, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men offer young readers more than enough adventure and thrills to keep them turning the pages. Illustrated by Scott McKowen, he created these drawings in scratchboard, an engraving medium which evokes the look of popular art from the period of these stories. 344 pages, hardcover with dust jacket. Ages 10 & up.

For more than a century, the tale of Brer Rabbit, Mr. Fox, and Tar Baby has delighted children with the antics of a playful trickster, a clever captor, and a surprise ending in a briar patch. An authentic folk tale from 1904 set down by Joel Chandler Harris writing as Uncle Remus, The Tar Baby has become one of the best-loved stories in American children's literature. Harris turns ordinary storytelling into magic through his skillful use of rhyming verse, drawing in young ears with a gentle sense of melody.

This facsimile of the 1904 publication is a collector's delight, featuring the original illustrations by A.B. Frost and E.W. Kemble. Renowned for their playful details and historical depictions of life at the turn of the century, their popularity has survived generations of change. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas tells the story of an extreme drought that threatens the existence of the Comanche. A courageous little girl decides to sacrifice her most beloved possession--and the Great Spirit's answer results not only in much needed rain but a very special gift in return. Preschool-Grade 3.

Please Note: This book is written from the perspective of the Comanche and so addresses the "Great Spirit."

Scheherazade's wit saves her life as she-night after night for 1,001 nights-tells the Shah stories he's eager to hear finished. Her tales comprise this classic collection of Arabian and Persian folktales that feature Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin, and Sinbad the Sailor.

Written by the father of the American Short Story, this collection of stories includes the legendary enchantment of Rip Van Winkle; the gruesome end of Ichabod Crane, who met the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow; the spectre bridegroom who turned out to be happily substantial; and the pride of an English village and the come-uppance of the over-zealous Mountjoy. These witty, perceptive and captivating tales range from fantasy to romance. Ages 10 & up / Grade 5 & up. 208 pages, softcover.

On a warm spring day, the beautiful young goddess Persephone is snatched from her home by Hades, the god of the underworld. Despite her protests, Persephone is forced to live underground and become his bride.

Persephone's mother, Demeter, goddess of Earth, is so brokenhearted about losing her daughter that she curses the land so nothing can grow.

Will Persephone and her mother ever be reunited?

Based on the Greek myth, this beautifully illustrated classic brings alive one of the world's most ancient legends - the origins of the seasons. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Here are the gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece - mighty Zeus, with his fistful of thunderbolts; gray-eyed Athena, goddess of wisdom; Helios, the sun; greedy King Midas - lavishly depicted by Caldecott winners Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. In a relaxed and humorous tone, these splendid artists bring to life the myths that have inspired great European literature and art through the ages, creating a book readers of all ages will cherish.

Join Jason and the Argo crew as they embark on a perilous quest to recover the golden fleece of a wondrous winged ram! Skillfully blending Jason's saga with other classic legends, Padraic Colum creates a compelling introduction to Greek myth for young readers. Recommended for ages 10 and up. A 1922 Newbery Honor book.

This re-telling of Homer's Iliad retains all the splendor of Ancient Troy. Legendary Helen, courageous Achilles, Ajax, Odysseus and Hector are all present in their original grandeur as they fight for Helen's--and Greece's--honor. 149 pages, softcover with pronunciation guide.

Sing along with Wee Sing in this collection of traditional folk songs that have been passed down for generations. Old favorites like "Polly Wolly Doodle" and "A Frog Went A-Courtin'" are joined by dances like "Put Your Little Foot" and "Turkey in the Straw." Sing-a-longs, action songs, rounds, silly songs, and echo songs round out the list. For added fun, a variety of adult voices joins the children's choir. The 41 songs give you over an hour of listening fun on one CD, and this pack includes a 64-page softcover book. Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Perfect for bedtime or anytime reading, You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Tall Tales to Read Together is filled with fun and engaging stories for kids and parents to read to each other and to read together. Readers will love the new twists on classic folklore characters like Annie Oakley, Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan, and more.

Who was the largest baby ever born in the state of Maine? Who dug the Great Lakes? Who gouged out the Grand Canyon? Why, Paul Bunyan of course, America's finest, fastest, funniest lumberman and favorite tall-tale hero, presented here in a charming retelling especially for young children.

Aliki's charming illustrations perfectly suit the simple story of Johnny Appleseed's life. Planting apple-tree seeds from place-to-place, Johnny Appleseed wore no shoes, dressed in cast-off old clothes, and slept outside, but was kind and friendly to all. An American legend, kids will enjoy learning more about this unusual man. Ages 4-8.

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